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Sorrento Grand Tour: Discover Breathtaking Landscapes and Immerse in Myths and Legends
5.0
22 Ratings
Sorrento
Embark on the Sorrento Grand Tour and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, mythical legends, and the enchanting world of mermaids. Discover the inspiration behind famous songs, films, and concerts, and indulge in the flavors of Sorrento’s citrus fruits. Explore the historic center, visit craft shops, and marvel at 19th-century inlay jewels. Create unforgettable memories on this romantic journey.
Duration:
2 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Piazza della Vittoria - In Piazza della Vittoria, you’ll immerse yourself in the enchanting myth of the Land of the Sirens, surrounded by one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. Here, we’ll encounter Homer, Virgil, the French writer Yourcenar, the American writer Harriet Beecher Stowe, and the illustrious poet Torquato Tasso, a native of Sorrento. We’ll visit the Belle vue Sirene hotel to admire the ruins of the Roman Villa of Agrippa Postumo, nephew of Augustus, and the two nymphaeums from above. I’ll show you a stunning view and help you imagine the Roman fish pond in crystal-clear waters.
- Marina Grande - Antico Borgo Marinaro - At the Borgo di Marina Grande, a 10-minute walk away, we’ll admire the local features, fishermen’s nets, and the typical Sorrentine goiter. We’ll stop to see the balcony where actress Sofia Loren appeared in the famous film “Pane, amore e….” with Vittorio De Sica. We’ll stroll along the pier, taking in the view of Vesuvius and the beauty of the Gulf of Naples.
- Casa Di Cornelia Tasso - From Borgo di Marina Grande, we’ll walk along Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani and stop at the “Donna Sofia” restaurant, a charming spot dedicated to chef Mario’s Sorrento cuisine, where you can see dozens of photographs of Sofia Loren. We’ll reach our destination, the house of Cornelia Tasso, a sixteenth-century palace where the sister of the great Sorrento writer Torquato Tasso lived. We’ll admire it from the outside, as the internal fresco that decorated the vault was destroyed by fire.
- Sedile Dominova - From Cornelia Tasso’s house, a two-minute walk will take us to the historic center with its craft shops. We’ll visit the Sedil Dominova, and if you wish, we can go to the Museo della Tarsia Lignea, one of Sorrento’s two museum gems, listed among the top ten museums in Campania by English tour operators. Here, we’ll admire a collection of 19th-century Sorrentine inlays and a section dedicated to works, vases, and paintings commemorating our great poet Torquato Tasso. ENTRANCE IS OPTIONAL AND MUST BE INDICATED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. THE COST OF THE TICKET FOR ADULTS IS EURO 8.00.
- Imperial Hotel Tramontano - From the MUTA, we’ll return to Via Vittorio Veneto and stop at the majestic Hotel Tramontano, both outside and inside. This hotel has hosted many famous names from royal houses, as well as painters and writers of the Grand Tour, including Henrik Ibsen and the French writer Marguerite Yourcenar. This grand hotel inspired the de Curtis brothers to write the well-known song “Torna a Surriento,” and we’ll share its genesis and anecdotes. Inside, we’ll see the place where the great poet Torquato Tasso was born and his garden with ancient trees.
- Chiostro di San Francesco - In this enchanting fourteenth-century cloister, a venue for civil weddings and summer classical music concerts, we’ll admire the beauty of its colonnade and its serene atmosphere under a weeping willow. Silence reigns here, where Franciscan monks live in isolation from Sorrentine worldly life, focused on prayer and creating Neapolitan nativity scenes.
- Villa Comunale - From the Cloister, we’ll pass through the Villa Comunale, dedicated to Sorrentine composer Salve d’Esposito, known for the famous song “Anema e core.” Here, you’ll have time to admire and photograph a breathtaking panorama that stretches from the island of Ischia to Punta del Capo di Sorrento, Vesuvius, and the entire Gulf of Naples.
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria - From the Villa Comunale, we’ll head towards the Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, passing through Piazza S. Antonino, where we’ll admire the statue dedicated to the Patron Saint of Sorrento and learn about its history and the Museum Restaurant dedicated to tenor Enrico Caruso (if open). We’ll stop in front of the hotel, which houses two famous suites dedicated to tenor Enrico Caruso and singer Lucio Dalla. We’ll briefly recount the history of these two artists, also recalling the stay of the renowned composer Richard Wagner and his tumultuous relationship with philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
- Limonoro - From the Hotel Vittoria, we’ll stop for a limoncello and granita tasting at the “Giardini di Cataldo,” where we’ll visit a typical Sorrento citrus grove. This grove was once owned by Commander Achille Lauro and later purchased by the current owners, who produce limoncello using ancient Sorrentine traditions. Alternatively, depending on the time available, we may visit Limonoro (Via San Cesareo in the historic center) to taste various biscuits, chocolates, and liqueurs, including limoncello, limoncello cream, pistachio cream, and little orange.
- Via Aniello Califano - From the Cataldo Gardens, we’ll walk along one of Sorrento’s most beautiful streets, lined with luxurious hotels and residences, until we reach the Correale Museum. We’ll describe its history and the two commemorative plaques on its sides before arriving at Via Aniello Califano, where we’ll admire the last panorama of the tour to the rhythm of the song “O Surdato ‘Nnammurato,” written by the composer after whom the street is named.
- Piazza Giovanni Battista de Curtis - Here, we’ll admire a mural dedicated to Lucio Dalla by street artist Jorit Agoch. We’ll share the story of the Bolognese singer and his connection to the city, which awarded him honorary citizenship.
- Il Vallone dei Mulini - We’ll stop and end our tour in this enchanting place, featured in “Nature” magazine. Once home to mills, it is now a realm of rare plants.
- Piazza Tasso - You’ll see how Sorrento inlay furniture is crafted and visit a unique shop near the most enchanting place in Sorrento, the Vallone dei Mulini, where you’ll admire exquisite inlaid woodworking products, including an incredible gaming table.
- Cattedrale di Sorrento - In this church dedicated to Saints Philip and James, dating back to the 1400s, we’ll admire a splendid nativity scene, the Via Crucis in Sorrento inlay, a chapel with a Chiajese-style floor, and the lid of a Roman tomb.
What's Included
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- Cost subject to review depending on the number of requests and the season.
- Entrance to the Museum of Wood Inlay. Cost Euro 8.00 per adult. Children enter for free
Additional Information
On this excursion, you will explore unique spots distinct from routine tours and delve into the world of mermaids, rich in myths and legends. You will witness the same picturesque views that have sparked the creativity of musicians, poets, composers, artists, and marquetry enthusiasts. I will guide you to the locales that gave birth to renowned songs, where notable films were made, and memorable concerts held. Together with the legacy of celebrated grand tour authors and artists like Goethe and Ibsen, who were captivated by its gorgeous seascape and verdant citrus orchards, you will uncover the traditional byproducts of Sorrento’s citrus fruits: limoncello, mandarinello, orange jam, lemon jam, lemon ice cream, and lemon slushy. Lastly, I will escort you into the heart of the historic town, amidst the local handcraft shops, and optionally, to one of Italy’s finest museums where you can behold 19th-century marquetry masterpieces, ranging from artwork to furnishings. You might even pick up an inlaid keepsake to carry home. CHERISH A ROMANTIC EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE TO TIME.
- Access with a wheelchair is inconvenient only to reach the Borgo di Marina Grande, but it is possible to book a car service at an additional cost.
- The minimum number of travelers is 4 pax.
- The tour can also see different attractions
- The tour includes the possibility of proposing other attractions
Location
Hotel Bellevue Syrene
Piazza della Vittoria
The starting point is located in Piazza della Vittoria N° 5 in front of the Hotel Bellevue Syrene where there is a marble plaque dedicated to the poet Virgil.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(22 Ratings)
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1 star
Chris_e
Jun 8, 2024
Exceptional Tour Guide with Unmatched Knowledge and Passion - Silvana was an outstanding tour guide. The meeting point was ideal, and her extensive knowledge and passion for Sorrento shone through. We gained fascinating insights into the history and mythology of the area. Her enthusiasm for the art and history of Sorrento was contagious, and we learned a great deal from her. I highly recommend her.
Review provided by Viator
Navigator54819610400
May 26, 2024
Don’t miss this tour! - Silvana was a great guide. It was a personalized experience based on where we wanted to go. She had a deep level of knowledge and genuine kindness. Highly recommend Silvana for this tour. It was a great way to get acclimated to Sorrento.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen
May 4, 2024
A tour to orientate the layout, history, literary, and artistic story of Sorrento - Really enjoyed this tour of Sorrento. To enjoy this best, you should be interested in the layout, historic, litrary, and artistic story.
As a personal tour, it is likely to be different each time. Silvana is friendly and happy to discuss.
We had several entrances that came about because Silvana knew people around town, and this made for unique experiences.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_w
Apr 12, 2024
Highly recommend this tour - We had a wonderful time! Silvana was an incredible guide that gave us an amazing experience. She was so kind and knowledgeable about Sorrento.
Review provided by Viator
Lalafla17
Mar 20, 2024
Last Minute tour, wonderful end to the day! - We had a wonderful tour with Silvia after booking last minute and so glad we did! Her tour was informative, casual, easy to ask questions and personable. Silvia loves Sorrento and it shows in her tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gino_c
Nov 14, 2023
Rich with local culture - Amazing experience with a local guide. I learned so much of the rich history of Sorrento and was fortunate enough to have both a completely private and extended experience. Grazie mille!
Review provided by Viator
Joe_h
Aug 29, 2023
Best tour in Sorrento! - Silvana gave an absolutely amazing tour of Sorrento. As someone born and raised there she has a deep connection to the city and a passion for sharing its rich history. You get to learn about a side of Sorrento you otherwise would never know and gain a deeper appreciation for this beautiful city and it’s people. Can’t recommend this tour enough
Review provided by Viator
N3200fyeleonorap
Aug 6, 2023
Absolutely worth repeating - Truly pleasant experience....professionalism, passion for his land and friendliness a perfect mix to look at unforgettable places with different eyes.... Absolutely worth repeating
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Immacolatas838
Aug 5, 2023
An unforgettable experience!!! - Silvana is a professional, qualified and very nice guide...She managed to show us the most original and characteristic aspect of Sorrento...a tour that fully shows you the beauty, culture and history of Sorrento and that strikes you first of all for the preparation and resourcefulness of the person who leads it and the method of organization... all this in a suggestive and fascinating atmosphere... NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liliasofiab
Aug 4, 2023
fantastic tour - Truly "divine" tour where you can listen to the Homeric myths about the sirens and the Virgilian ones about the beauty of our land at dusk, tasting a delicious limoncello.
Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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